Corolla AE112R Rear Struts Question

[Blinker]

Hey guys

Firstly, car details: 2000 model Corolla Levin AE112R.

I just went for a rego check and they said my NS rear strut was seeping too much for it to be passed. I had a look and it didn't look that bad, but honestly I don't really know much about suspension parts.

Like an idiot I've left it almost too late (rego expires tomorrow) so I don't have the luxury of shopping around.

The bloke at the workshop (it's a K-Mart Tyre and Auto attached to a servo - I only wanted a rego check!) told me it'd cost "roughly" $650-$700 to supply and fit two new Monroe GT's. He told me you should never only replace one strut due to imbalances that may result (stiffness etc) and the opposite side should be done as well.

He couldn't give me an exact price as his supplier wasn't answering the phone but he told me it would be 4 hours labour (2/side=around $370). That means 2 struts cost around $300.

So, my question is how much should I expect to pay? Do the figures he gave me sound fair? Like I said I don't have the luxury of time....they have to be supplied and fitted tomorrow! Also, do I have any other realistic options? I wasn't expecting such a costly rego process this year and money's tight. Could I just get the one done and then do the other in a month or two when I get some more cash? Or even not bother with the second one at all?

Thanks.

Edited March 12, 2009 by Blinker

[SuperDave]

Hey guys

Firstly, car details: 2000 model Corolla Levin AE112R.

I just went for a rego check and they said my NS rear strut was seeping too much for it to be passed. I had a look and it didn't look that bad, but honestly I don't really know much about suspension parts.

Like an idiot I've left it almost too late (rego expires tomorrow) so I don't have the luxury of shopping around.

The bloke at the workshop (it's a K-Mart Tyre and Auto attached to a servo - I only wanted a rego check!) told me it'd cost "roughly" $650-$700 to supply and fit two new Monroe GT's. He told me you should never only replace one strut due to imbalances that may result (stiffness etc) and the opposite side should be done as well.

He couldn't give me an exact price as his supplier wasn't answering the phone but he told me it would be 4 hours labour (2/side=around $370). That means 2 struts cost around $300.

So, my question is how much should I expect to pay? Do the figures he gave me sound fair? Like I said I don't have the luxury of time....they have to be supplied and fitted tomorrow! Also, do I have any other realistic options? I wasn't expecting such a costly rego process this year and money's tight. Could I just get the one done and then do the other in a month or two when I get some more cash? Or even not bother with the second one at all?

Thanks.

Silvabullit would know better than me as to what price struts are. But 4 hours seems a little high, unless the AE112 has some funky rear suspension design.

As for the doing struts in pairs that is a safety thing as different spring/strut conditions left and right can cause the car to handle funny. If you are desperate then doing the 1 will be ok. Not sure if they match struts like they do with springs, so you might have to buy the other strut and store it until funds allow you to fit it.

[Blinker]

Thanks for the reply SuperDave. Good idea on the whole buy both but only fit one thing, I'll go with that.

I thought 4 hours seemed a little high. I spoke to my mechanic tonight (who's booked out for 2 weeks) and he reckons it's a joke. He told me he fitted 2 KYB's (which he reckons are tops) onto a Starlet last week and it's pretty much the same as a 'rolla. Took him 45 mins a side.

He also reckons I should have both sides fitted though, so that sounds legit and fair enough and he did say the KYB's were around $120-$150 each.

Not really sure what to do - I'm thinking to be on the safe side I should just let these blokes supply and fit so I can pass rego today but I don't wanna get shafted on the labour.

My guy only charges what time he spends but these mavericks quote you what their stupid mechanics guide says and then charge you that even if it takes them half the time. Grrrr.

My own fault for being a lazy ******* I guess.

Edited March 12, 2009 by Blinker

[SuperDave]

It's not possible to bribe you're mechanic with beer/spirits to do the job after hours? Or can't he do rego inspections to go along with it?

[dorifto]

Thanks for the reply SuperDave. Good idea on the whole buy both but only fit one thing, I'll go with that.

I thought 4 hours seemed a little high. I spoke to my mechanic tonight (who's booked out for 2 weeks) and he reckons it's a joke. He told me he fitted 2 KYB's (which he reckons are tops) onto a Starlet last week and it's pretty much the same as a 'rolla. Took him 45 mins a side.

He also reckons I should have both sides fitted though, so that sounds legit and fair enough and he did say the KYB's were around $120-$150 each.

Not really sure what to do - I'm thinking to be on the safe side I should just let these blokes supply and fit so I can pass rego today but I don't wanna get shafted on the labour.

My guy only charges what time he spends but these mavericks quote you what their stupid mechanics guide says and then charge you that even if it takes them half the time. Grrrr.

My own fault for being a lazy ******* I guess.

KYB's are great, i have them in my car (older model Corolla). 650-700 is WAY too much for 2 shocks plus fitting. If my memory serves me right, i paid under $200 for all four shocks fitted. Surely there are some other mechanics you can go to? I would recommend suspension specialists as they will get it done faster, faster = less labour costs.

Also try to supply the part, so purchase the parts from say Burson's/Repco to save on any mark-up costs mechanics will charge you.

cheers